I am a Postdoctoral Scholar in the [http://bioengineering.stanford.edu/ Department of Bioengineering] at [http://www.stanford.edu/ Stanford University] in the the labs of [[Endy_Lab | Drew Endy]] and [[Smolke | Christina Smolke]] and am serving as the Deputy Director of [http://synberc.org/practices Practices] for the [http://synberc.org/ Synthetic Biology Engineering Research Center (SynBERC)].

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I am a Postdoctoral Scholar in the [http://bioengineering.stanford.edu/ Department of Bioengineering] at [http://www.stanford.edu/ Stanford University] in the the lab of [[Endy_Lab | Drew Endy]] and am serving as the Deputy Director of [http://synberc.org/practices Practices] for the [http://synberc.org/ Synthetic Biology Engineering Research Center (SynBERC)].

* Co-direct efforts within a multi-university engineering research center to explore how scientists and engineers can consider and respond to societal ramifications of developments in synthetic biology.

* Co-direct efforts within a multi-university engineering research center to explore how scientists and engineers can consider and respond to societal ramifications of developments in synthetic biology.

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'''Smolke Lab''', Stanford University, Department of Bioengineering

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* Advisor: Christina D. Smolke

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* Development of RNA devices to control cytokine responsiveness of T cells for immunotherapy applications

* Organized a series of workshops in which diverse members of the synthetic biology community share their visions for the evolution of the field and contribute to a collective roadmap for biotechnology development.

* Evaluated teams' approach to the societal ramifications of biotechnology development for a worldwide competition in synthetic biology in which students design and build biological systems inside living cells.

Identified and characterized novel heterogeneities within CD8+ T cell populations in terms of their responsiveness to interleukin (IL) family cytokines supporting homeostatic survival and proliferation.

Performed experimental and mathematical modeling analysis of IL‐7 ligand/receptor binding dynamics and signaling, revealing receptor expression as the dominant controller of T cell responsiveness to IL‐7.

Translated in vitro results to in vivo murine models, demonstrating that modulation of IL‐7 levels in vivo alters the clonal composition of the T cell repertoire and revealing IL‐7 levels supporting homeostatic diversity.

Undergraduate Research

Bioengineering and Bioprocess Development Group, Dept. of Chemical Engineering, Queen’s University (2003‐2004)

Designed and characterized a novel bioreactor system allowing for improved efficiency of benzene degradation by a defined microbial consortia using polymers as partitioning agents.

Pharmaceutical Production Research Facility, Dept. of Chemical Engineering, University of Calgary (2003)

Advisor: Leo A. Behie

Established improved cell culture methods for the in vitro expansion of mammary and neural stem cells.

Sniekus Lab, Dept. of Chemistry, Queen’s University (2001‐2003)

Advisor: Victor Snieckus

Developed and refined novel methods for synthetic organic and organometallic chemistry.

Science and Technology Policy, Education, and Outreach

Co-organizer, The Synthetic Biology Slam (2011-present)

Organized a series of workshops in which diverse members of the synthetic biology community share their visions for the evolution of the field and contribute to a collective roadmap for biotechnology development.

Evaluated teams' approach to the societal ramifications of biotechnology development for a worldwide competition in synthetic biology in which students design and build biological systems inside living cells.

Scholar, Siebel Scholars Foundation (2010-present)

Served alongside leaders in business, computer science and bioengineering as an advisor to the Siebel Foundation on directing its philanthropic efforts towards solving pressing global problems.

Volunteer, Cambridge Science Festival (2009, 2010)

Facilitated activities at a festival highlighting local science and technology outreach programs.

Completed an optional intensive graduate teaching program in which I was evaluated on development of program curriculum, lectures, evaluation methods and teaching style.

Regional Hub Team Member, Coalition on the Public Understanding of Science (2008‐present)

Coordinated multiple science advocacy groups to successfully organize a series of local science cafes aimed at developing a public understanding and appreciation for science.

Executive Member, MIT Science Policy Initiative (2007‐2010)

Arranged multiple seminars, short courses, workshops and trips to Capitol Hill to educate and engage science and engineering students in the public policy of science, technology, research and innovation.